Big wins for England, Black Ferns

The Women's Rugby World Cup kicked off in Paris on Friday as New Zealand and England claimed big wins over Kazakhstan and Samoa.

The Women's Rugby World Cup kicked off in Paris on Friday with New Zealand and England thrashing Kazakhstan and Samoa respectively on Day One.

The Black Ferns won the opening match of the tournament by totally outclassing the northern Asian team as the four-time winners ran in an impressive thirteen tries to score a 79-5 victory.

Meanwhile, England beat a Samoan side who had a player sent-off for a reckless tip tackle as they coasted to a comprehensive 65-3 triumph. Outside centre Emily Scarratt scored 20 points.

In earlier games, Canada, led by Magali Harvey's 26 points, opened their pool with a convincing 31-7 win over Spain after leading 24-0 at the break.

Victory was also claimed by Ireland, who beat USA 23-17 as Niamh Briggs scored a try and kicked 13 points while Ailis Egan also crossed.

Australia beat South Africa 26-3 as a strong opening proved decisive as they moved into an 18-0 lead before their opponents improved. However, the damage was too great to repair as the Wallaroos secured victory. Sharni Williams, Ashleigh Hewson and Tricia Brown scored.

In the final game of the day, host nation and Six Nations champions France kicked off their tournament campaign with a four-try 26-0 victory over Wales that puts them top of Pool C.